Horsemen trying to help after barn fire

Immediately after the fire which devastated the stable of Josh Cochran at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, horsemen are once again showing their generosity.

The fire, which occurred in the early morning of Sept. 1, took the lives of Standardbreds Mindy Love Brown, Caribean Cruise, Forever A Gift, Hee Haws Jet, Big Black Jack, The Little Feller, Stop N Stare and KG Dot Dorian. Mindy Love Brown, an 8-year-old pacing mare by Arturo, had just scored her 25th lifetime win a few hours earlier at Scioto Downs.

Spearheaded by Ohio horsemen Ryan Stahl, Kent Sherman and Clair Umholtz, donations were obtained and equipment ordered to help Cochran and his owners get back into the game they love.

In addition, a fundraiser is being organized and will occur during Ohio Super Night to be held this Saturday (Sept. 8) at Scioto Downs. A silent auction of several gift baskets will be available for bidding. Currently, donations of these gift baskets are being asked for. You may contact the race office at Scioto Downs or Amy Hollar by e-mail at hollarohha@aol.comor on Facebook.

Sadly, it often takes disasters of such a nature to remind horsemen of the need for proper fire insurance. By contacting Harness Horsemen's International, mortality insurance for horses stabled at training centers can be obtained at a minimal yearly premium.--By Amy Hollar

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